SEEC Helps Advance Six Projects in Award-Winning "Rooted in the Mohawk Valley" ACHIEVE Investment Strategy
SCHOHARIE COUNTY, NY | July 2026 — The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) played a significant role in advancing six Schoharie County projects included in Rooted in the Mohawk Valley, the award-winning regional investment strategy selected through New York State's inaugural ACHIEVE (Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion) program. The strategy secured $32 million in state funding to advance transformational projects that strengthen communities and drive long-term economic growth across the Mohawk Valley.
Developed through the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC), Rooted in the Mohawk Valley unites transformational investments, downtown revitalization, agribusiness innovation, tourism destinations, and community development under a shared vision for regional prosperity. Throughout the planning process, SEEC worked alongside municipalities, educational institutions, private industry, nonprofit organizations, and regional partners to strengthen project proposals, provide technical assistance, and cultivate collaborations that positioned Schoharie County projects for inclusion in the regional strategy.
Among the initiative's anchor investments is Hoshino Resorts New York's proposed Onsen Mineral Spa Resort in Sharon Springs, a transformational tourism destination expected to attract international visitors while leveraging the village's historic mineral waters. SEEC partnered with LaBella Associates to co-author the ACHIEVE application for the Hoshino project, while also facilitating workforce development partnerships with SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Oneonta, Herkimer College, and Hamilton College to help prepare for the resort's future workforce and regional supply chain opportunities.
"The ACHIEVE initiative reflects years of relationship-building and regional collaboration," said Julie Pacatte, Executive Director of SEEC and First Vice President of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD). "Our role extends beyond supporting projects—we help connect partners, strengthen proposals, and align investments with a shared vision for long-term prosperity. We're proud to see so many Schoharie County initiatives positioned within a regional strategy that will create lasting economic opportunity."
Projects supported by SEEC and incorporated into the Rooted in the Mohawk Valley ACHIEVE strategy include:
Hoshino Resorts New York – Onsen Mineral Spa Resort (Sharon Springs): A proposed $75 million international wellness destination that builds upon Sharon Springs' historic mineral waters while expanding tourism, hospitality, workforce development, and downtown revitalization.
Catskills Agrarian Alliance – Star Route Farm Food Hub Expansion: Expanding food processing, storage, and distribution capacity to strengthen regional farm collaboration and improve market access for more than 60 agricultural producers.
Caribou Biofuels & RB Customz Fabrication – Biochar Manufacturing Facility: Establishing an advanced manufacturing facility to produce innovative gasifier technology that converts agricultural waste into biochar, supporting climate-smart agriculture and green manufacturing.
SUNY Cobleskill – Regional Composting Facility: Developing centralized composting infrastructure that advances environmental stewardship, workforce development, agricultural research, and regional sustainability.
Cobleskill Auxiliary Services – Expanded Taste NY Store & Schoharie Fresh Food Hub: Expanding retail, storage, and food hub infrastructure to connect local producers with new markets while strengthening the regional food economy.
Schoharie Rural Public Market: Creating a year-round public marketplace that connects farmers, food producers, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors while enhancing agritourism and local commerce.
Collectively, these projects represent strategic investments in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, sustainability, workforce development, and rural revitalization. Together, they demonstrate how regional collaboration can transform locally driven ideas into projects with lasting economic impact.
Through alliances with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, private industry, and state agencies, SEEC continues to help communities identify opportunities, build partnerships, secure investment, and advance projects that strengthen Schoharie County and the Mohawk Valley.
About the ACHIEVE Program
The Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion (ACHIEVE) program is a competitive New York State initiative administered through the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs). Launched in 2025, ACHIEVE empowers regions to develop transformational investment strategies that advance catalytic projects through public-private partnerships, regional collaboration, and coordinated implementation. Winning regional proposals receive implementation funding to advance anchor projects and complementary investments that strengthen local economies, create jobs, and support long-term regional growth. Learn more about the Regional Economic Development Council initiative at the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils website.
About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC)
Founded by private sector leaders, SEEC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison between businesses, local municipalities, and institutional leaders to highlight opportunities, support entrepreneurship, add value to enterprises, and make direct investments that shape more desirable communities. SEEC's vision is to unite legacy-minded investors, bold entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking leaders who will unlock Schoharie County's untapped potential, drive sustainable economic growth, and create lasting community impact.
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Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation
seecny.org | Schoharie, NY